Hey there —

Opening this newsletter was one of the 35,000 decisions you’re going to make today. 🤯

Every day, we’re faced with thousands of simple decisions (Uggs or Crocs?) and major qualms (Should I quit my job to create full-time?). But evaluating options all day long can lead to mental fatigue.

And when we’re exhausted, our ability to decide falters.

Especially with the “easy” choices.

We’ll stand in a pharmacy aisle for ages, torn between two shampoos. Agonize over whether to sign off that email with “Best” or “Kindly.” Debate whether to post one YouTube video a week — or two? 🤔

Welcome to Fredkin’s Paradox. Coined by computer science professor Edward Fredkin, it’s why it gets harder to choose the more similar two choices seem — even though the final decision makes little to no difference.

The result? We waste our precious decision-making energy on trivial matters.

Of course, there will be times when similar choices can lead to drastically different outcomes, like the effectiveness of your YouTube video’s title. (“My Favorite Habits” and “12 Habits That Changed My Life” sound similar, but which one would you rather watch?).

But more often than not, our unproductive decision-making is due to Fredkin’s Paradox (and a dash of crippling perfectionism). One method to recoup our time is a technique called satisficing.

Satisficing means choosing what’s satisfactory over what’s optimal. It’s going for “good enough” instead of “best.” Because, let’s be real, figuring out “the best” choice is a gargantuan effort (and one often fueled by anxiety and unhealthy comparisons).

So next time you’re torn between similar options, ask yourself whether it’s worth agonizing over. Your goal is to avoid inaction — unless you’d rather leave the store shampoo-less. 💆

Sometimes the best call you can make is to flip a coin, accept the outcome, and save your energy to focus on what actually matters. 😊

Pay attention: the art of noticing

by Anne Ditmeyer

Can you remember which emoji we used in the first sentence of this newsletter? 👀

If you had to scroll to check, Anne Ditmeyer’s article might interest you.

Ditmeyer shares insights from Rob Walker’s book, The Art of Noticing, that can help you become a more powerful observer and enhance your creativity and mindfulness.

You’ll find a bunch of fun exercises, like looking for the weirdest object in a room or trying to think from the perspective of a historian.

Consider these challenges as a workout routine for your observation muscles. 💪🏼

Read the article →

How to say no

by Start Story

“No.”

It’s a simple word. Yet saying it aloud can feel borderline impossible.

Most of us want to avoid confrontation, conflict, or potentially hurting someone’s feelings. But there are times when saying “no” is essential.

Like if you’re asked to join a work meeting, go on a date, or let someone “pick your brain.” 🧠

This resource from Starter Story has templates to help you say “no” to these exact situations and more. Best part? You can import them into Gmail for speedy communication (no memorization required).

Check out the templates →

YouGlish

by Dan Barhen

You’re about to give a presentation, go on a podcast, or read a YouTube script. But there’s that one word you’re not quite sure you’re pronouncing correctly.

Fear not! YouGlish is here to help with your language needs.

This tool shows you how to pronounce specific words by pulling up relevant YouTube videos so you can hear the word spoken.

YouGlish isn’t only for English — you can check your pronunciation of Arabic, Japanese, Swedish, and more, plus several regional accents. Neat. 🌎

Check it out →

Written by Alice Lemée

Edited by Matt D'Avella & Kerstin Sheppard